National park · Mexico
Cofre de Perote National ParkParque Nacional Cofre de Perote
Enter Cofre de Perote National Park: pay MXN 70–100 at the gate, hike the peak trail (2‑3 h round) in dry season, or bike the El Lince route in summer; avoid rainy months.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
117 km² (45 sq mi)45 sq mi (117 km²)
approximate
Established
1937
Best months
Jan–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 117 km² (45 sq mi)45 sq mi (117 km²)
- ≈117 km² (11,700 ha) of mountainous forest and basalt canyons.
- Established
- 1937
- Best months
- Jan–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Cofre de Perote National Park protects the extinct shield volcano Cofre de Perote (4,282 m) and surrounding pine‑forested slopes, offering summit hikes, mountain‑bike trails, and remote lake backcountry in Veracruz.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1937.
Size and age
117 km² (45 sq mi)45 sq mi (117 km²) · national park since 1937
≈117 km² (11,700 ha) of mountainous forest and basalt canyons.
Why go
- Summit hike with stairs and handrail gives panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes.
- Extensive mountain‑bike trails like El Lince and Ruta del Cofre pass pine forest and basalt canyons.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanDry, clear skies; good for summit hike.
- FebCold but dry; excellent visibility.
- MarSpring, still dry, mild temperatures.
- AprEnd of dry season, comfortable hiking.
- MayIncreasing rain, trails can get muddy.
- JunRainy season starts, possible cloud cover.
- JulFrequent showers, higher humidity.
- AugRain continues, trail conditions variable.
- SepLate rain, occasional dry spells.
- OctTransition to dry, cooler evenings.
- NovDry again, good for both hiking and biking.
- DecCool, dry; occasional snow at summit.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds (≈100 species)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Transvolcanic rattlesnake (Crotalus triseriatus)May–Oct | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Mammals: coyote, lynx, skunk, cacomixtle, endemic Perote squirrelAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Puebla
Rent a car or take a taxi 130 km (81 mi) north to Perote, then 20 km (12 mi) road to El Conejo village (park gate).Rent a car or take a taxi 81 mi (130 km) north to Perote, then 12 mi (20 km) road to El Conejo village (park gate).
≈2 h
Open the page →
From Veracruz city
Drive 180 km (112 mi) west via Highway 150D to Perote, then follow signs to El Conejo.Drive 112 mi (180 km) west via Highway 150D to Perote, then follow signs to El Conejo.
≈3 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| El Conejo trailhead | Gate, visitor information, parking, and start of main hiking routes. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Centro Recreativo | Camping area and cabins about 30 min walk from trailhead. | Pay campsite fee; basic facilities. |
| La Murcielaguera Canyon | 8 km (5 mi) basalt canyon with hiking path and wildlife.5 mi (8 km) basalt canyon with hiking path and wildlife. | Accessible from main trail network. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park; exact trailhead and summit locations may vary.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | MXN 70–100 (≈ US$4–6) | person | Check at gate; covers main trail access. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Fires
- Not allowed; use designated campfire rings only where provided.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; pack out waste from backcountry sites.
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated areas (Centro Recreativo) or approved backcountry sites.
- Off‑road biking
- Restricted to marked bike trails; avoid riding on private land.
- Wildlife disturbance
- Do not approach or feed animals; keep distance from snakes and birds.
Where to stay
Near the park
Perote town hotels
Various budget to mid‑range hotels, 20 min drive from park gate.
In the park
Centro Recreativo cabins
Simple cabins and campsites within the park.
Safety
Altitude & weather medium
Lost on backcountry trails high
Snake bites low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Summit trail has stairs and handrail; not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Camping area has basic facilities, limited for reduced mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use established campsites; avoid creating new fire pits.
- Support local economy by buying food in Perote town.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Cofre de Perote National Park?
Entry fee is MXN 70–100 per person at the El Conejo gate (check exact amount on arrival).
What are the best hikes in Cofre de Perote National Park?
The summit trail (2–3 h round) is the most popular; La Murcielaguera Canyon offers a shorter walk, and longer backcountry routes lead to remote lakes.
When is the best time to visit Cofre de Perote National Park?
Dry months November to April give clear views and dry trails; May‑October can be rainy and muddy.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, at the designated Centro Recreativo site or in approved backcountry spots; fire pits are only allowed in designated areas.
Is water available on the trails?
No reliable water sources; bring enough for the day and refill in Perote town before entering.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Cofre de Perote National Park
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